(19)
(11)EP 3 466 611 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
16.02.2022 Bulletin 2022/07

(21)Application number: 18195065.0

(22)Date of filing:  18.09.2018
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B25B 13/08(2006.01)
B25B 13/48(2006.01)
A47B 91/02(2006.01)
(52)Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
A47B 91/024; B25B 13/08; B25B 13/48

(54)

KEY-FOOT COMBINATION FOR THE LEVELLING OF FURNITURE

SCHLÜSSEL-FUSS-KOMBINATION ZUR NIVELLIERUNG VON MÖBELN

COMBINAISON CLÉ-PIED POUR MISE À NIVEAU DE MEUBLES


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 05.10.2017 IT 201700111868 U

(43)Date of publication of application:
10.04.2019 Bulletin 2019/15

(73)Proprietor: LEONARDO S.r.l.
22060 Figino Serenza (CO) (IT)

(72)Inventor:
  • CATTANEO, Carlo
    22060 FIGINO SERENZA (CO) (IT)

(74)Representative: Franco Martegani S.r.l. 
Via Carlo Alberto, 41
20900 Monza
20900 Monza (IT)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A2-2015/053637
US-A- 3 905 255
US-A- 6 089 131
GB-A- 2 535 024
US-A- 3 921 476
US-A1- 2001 027 705
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a maneuvering key-supporting foot combination for the levelling of furniture.

    [0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a key-foot combination whereby it is possible to have easy access and to accurately maneuver the base of the rear feet of a piece of furniture - from a front position - especially in the presence of very deep furniture and with a minimum distance between the lower panel of the furniture and the floor.

    [0003] The document WO2015/053637 discloses an apparatus for adjusting a height adjustable leg for supporting a cabinet, appliance or structure. The apparatus includes a coupling comprising a driven member or feature. The coupling forms part of a height adjustable leg. The apparatus also includes a tool comprising a driving member and a torque input for applying torque to the driving member. The tool and the coupling are complementarily adapted to releasably maintain engagement between the driving member and the driven member or feature to allow the driving member to drive the driven member or feature to rotate the coupling about a longitudinal axis of the leg for height adjustment of the leg. The driving member and the driven member are gears that releasably mesh together when the tool is engaged with the coupling.

    [0004] Hexagonal keys are commercially available, having a particular profile, which considerably facilitate the screwing operation of nuts and bolts in mechanics.

    [0005] With respect to standard keys, in fact, with the use of this particular profile, the key does not need to be extracted and repositioned with each screwing step.

    [0006] A foot with a hexagonal base and a simple standard key having a particularly long handle for allowing the rear foot to be reached and adjusted, has been proposed as a solution for the front adjustment of kitchens.

    [0007] The limits of this solution are:
    • with each screwing step, the key must be extracted and repositioned with the difficulty each time of centering the base of the rear foot which is not easily visible;
    • each screwing step involves a maneuvering angle of 60 degrees. This amplitude is unmanageable due to the length of the handle.


    [0008] The general objective of the present invention is to solve the above problems of the known art in a simple, reliable and inexpensive manner.

    [0009] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a key-foot combination wherein the levelling operation of the rear foot can be effected without ever releasing the key from the rotating base of the foot.

    [0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a key-foot combination with a minimum maneuvering angle of the key.

    [0011] The above objectives are achieved by a key-foot combination having the characteristics specified in the enclosed claim 1 and subordinate claims.

    [0012] The structural and functional characteristics of the present invention and the advantages with respect to the known art will be clearly understood from the following description, referring to the enclosed drawings, which illustrate two embodiments of the invention.

    [0013] In the drawings:
    • figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a maneuvering key-supporting foot combination of the known type with the foot having a hexagonal base, wherein the key is applied to a rear foot of the piece of furniture;
    • figures 2-6 are schematic plan views from below illustrating the operating sequence of a maneuvering key-hexagonal foot combination of the known type, as illustrated in figure 1;
    • figures 7 and 8 are two perspective views illustrating a possible exemplary embodiment of a special key of the key-foot combination according to the invention destined for operating in combination with a foot having a ten-sided base;
    • figure 9 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the combination according to the invention wherein the key is in an operating position, inserted on a ten-sided base of a foot;
    • figures 10, 10a and 11, 11a are schematic views illustrating the application of the present invention to a foot with an eight-sided base;
    • figures 12, 12a; 13, 13a; 14, 14a are schematic views illustrating the application of the present invention to a foot with a ten-sided base;
    • figures 15, 15a; 16, 16a; 17, 17a are schematic views illustrating the application of the present invention to a foot with a twelve-sided base;
    • figures 18-20 are schematic plan views from below illustrating the operating sequence of a maneuvering key-supporting foot combination produced according to the present invention.


    [0014] In figure 1 of the drawings, M indicates an example of a piece of furniture that rests on the floor P by means of a plurality of supporting and levelling feet 12, 13, front and rear, respectively.

    [0015] Said feet 12, 13 are well known to skilled persons in the field and consist of a hexagonal base 14 which is screwed onto a column 15 (tube) partially threaded in 16. Said column 15 is provided, at the opposite end with respect to the base 14, with an attachment that serves to fix the foot 12, 13 to the lower panel 10 of the furniture M.

    [0016] The coupling, adjustable in height, between the base and the column (tube) can be of any type well known in the field of technical furnishing items.

    [0017] In order to also adjust the height of the rear feet 13 from the front, consequently without the need for making unsightly holes in the panel 10 of the furniture M, in order to effect an adjustment from inside the furniture and from above, the use is known of a hexagonal key 17 with an elongated handle 18, as clearly illustrated in the drawing.

    [0018] As can be seen from figures 2-6 of the drawings, however, the use of this key-foot combination for levelling the rear feet 13 creates the following numerous drawbacks.

    [0019] Figures 2, 3 illustrate the difficulty in centering and interlocking of the fork F of the key with the base 14 of the rear foot 13.

    [0020] Figure 4 illustrates the possible interference of the handle 18 of the key with the front foot 12 with a minimum maneuvering angle of 60°.

    [0021] Figure 5 illustrates how the release of the key from the base of the rear foot must be effected sideways and not frontally with respect to the furniture.

    [0022] Finally, figure 6 illustrates how the repetition of the sequence illustrated in figures 2-5 is necessary for each maneuvering step of the base of the rear foot.

    [0023] What is described above with reference to figures 2-6 refers to the known art.

    [0024] Figures 7, 8, 9 and 9a illustrate a key 117 with an elongated handle 118 used according to the invention, in combination with a characteristic foot 112, 113 having a base 114 with ten sides, which define a regular decagon.

    [0025] In the non-limiting example illustrated, the feet 112, 113 have a base with ten (10) sides which define a regular decagon, but the innovative principles of the present invention can be equally applied (as can be seen hereunder) to feet with a rotating base which defines a regular polygon having an even number of sides and equal to or higher than eight.

    [0026] Said elongated handle 118 ends with a so-called "fork" end F which has a plurality of operating sides L which develop along a broken line (with a broken profile), as illustrated in the plan development of the figure 9a, which define a seat S capable of receiving the base of the foot. Said operating sides L with a broken profile, can be composed of straight and/or curved adjacent sides according to necessity, with three contact and gripping points PP1, PP2 and PP3 on the base of the foot.

    [0027] In the example illustrated in figures 7, 8, 9 and 9a, the base of the feet 112 and 113, has ten (10) sides, whereas the fork-shaped end F of the key 117 has eight (8) operating sides, as clearly illustrated in the plan development of figure 9a.

    [0028] In the embodiment of figures 7, 8, 9 and 9a, the operating sides L of the key 117 have variable lengths and can be both straight or curved, provided they ensure a grip on the base 114 of the foot when the key is rotated in the direction S1 and freedom of movement when the key is rotated in the opposite direction S2.

    [0029] What has just been described can be clearly understood from the maneuvering sequence schematically illustrated in figures 18-20.

    [0030] Figure 18 first illustrates the easy centering of the fork-shaped end F of the key 117 with respect to the base 114 of the rear foot 113 as no precise orientation of the fork F is necessary with respect to the base of the foot.

    [0031] Figure 19 illustrates the position of mutual engagement between the fork F and the foot.

    [0032] Figure 20 illustrates how the maneuvering angle of the key is extremely reduced, around 36°, therefore well below the 60° previously mentioned with reference to the known art, and how it is no longer necessary to release the key from the foot after each maneuvering step.

    [0033] From what is described and illustrated above with reference to the figures, it is clear that the present invention relates to a key-foot combination for the levelling of furniture M comprising a key 117, with an elongated handle 118 and with a fork-shaped end F and a foot 112, 113 consisting of a column (tube) 115 coupled, for example screwed in 116 onto a polygonal base 114, so that said foot 112, 113 has a variable and adjustable height, characterized in that said base 114 defines a regular polygon having an even number of sides and equal to or higher than 8, and that the fork-shaped end F of the key 117, has a plurality of adjacent operating sides L, straight and/or curved, which develop along a broken line which defines a seat S capable of receiving said base 114 and maneuvering it with an oscillating movement, always coupled, operating in a direction S1 and not operating in the opposite direction S2. In said oscillating operating movement in the direction of the arrow S1, said fork-shaped end F characteristically has three gripping and contact points PP1, PP2, PP3 with the base 114 (figures 9, 12-17). The two points PP1 and PP2 are opposite, in correspondence with the free ends of the fork F, and act on two specularly opposed sides of the base 114, whereas the third point PP3 is positioned between said two points PP1 and PP2 and acts on a side that is situated between said two specularly opposed sides of the base 114.

    [0034] Said third point PP3 can be in an intermediate (central) position between said two points PP1 and PP2 and acts on one side which is in an intermediate (central) position between said two specularly opposed sides of the base 114.

    [0035] Said base 114 can have eight sides which form a regular octagon.

    [0036] Said base 114 can have ten sides so as to form a regular decagon.

    [0037] Said base 114 can have twelve sides that define a regular dodecagon.

    [0038] Said operating sides L of the fork-shaped end F of the key 117, can be six in number.

    [0039] Said operative sides L of the fork-shaped end F of the key 117, can be seven in number.

    [0040] Said operative sides L of the fork-shaped end F of the key 117, can be eight in number.

    [0041] As already indicated, the coupling between base and column (tube) of the feet 112, 113, can be of any known type, provided it is capable of forming a foot at a variable height, by rotating its base.

    [0042] The objectives mentioned in the preamble of the description have therefore been achieved.

    [0043] The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the enclosed claims.


    Claims

    1. A key-foot combination for the levelling of furniture (M) comprising a key (117) with an elongated handle (118) and with a fork-shaped end (F) and a foot (112; 113) consisting of a column (tube) (115) coupled with a base (114), so that said foot (112; 113) has a variable and adjustable height, characterised that said base is polygonal and (114) defines a regular polygon with an even number of sides and equal to or higher than eight, and in that the fork-shaped end (F) of the key (117) has a plurality of adjacent operating sides (L), straight and/or curved, which develop along a broken line which defines a seat (S) capable of receiving said base (114) and maneuvering it with an oscillating movement always in coupling, operating in a direction (S1) and not operating in the opposite direction (S2), in said operating oscillating movement, said fork-shaped end (F) has three gripping and contact points (PP1, PP2 and PP3) with the base (114), the two points (PP1) and (PP2) are opposite, in correspondence with the free end of the fork (F), and act on two specularly opposing sides of the base (114), whereas the third point (PP3) is between said two points (PP1) and (PP2) and acts on a side which is between said two specularly opposing sides of the base (114).
     
    2. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said third point (PP3) is in an intermediate (central) position between said two points (PP1) and (PP2) and acts on a side which is in an intermediate (central) position between said two specularly opposing sides of the base (114).
     
    3. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said base (114) has eight sides which define a regular octagon.
     
    4. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said base (114) has ten sides which define a regular decagon.
     
    5. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said base (114) has twelve sides which define a regular dodecagon.
     
    6. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said operating sides (L) of the fork-shaped end (F) of the key (117) are six in number.
     
    7. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said operating sides (L) of the fork-shaped end (F) of the key (117) are seven in number.
     
    8. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that said operating sides (L) of the fork-shaped end (F) of the key (117) are eight in number.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Schlüssel-Fuß-Kombination zum Nivellieren von Möbeln (M), die einen Schlüssel (117) mit einem länglichen Griff (118) und mit einem gabelförmigen Ende (F) und einen Fuß (112; 113) umfasst, der aus einer Säule (Rohr) (115) besteht, die mit einer Basis (114) verbunden ist, so dass der Fuß (112; 113) eine variable und einstellbare Höhe aufweist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Basis (114) vieleckig ist und ein regelmäßiges Vieleck mit einer geraden Anzahl von Seiten gleich oder größer als acht definiert, und dass das gabelförmige Ende (F) des Schlüssels (117) eine Vielzahl von benachbarten, geraden und/oder gekrümmten Betätigungsseiten (L) aufweist, die entlang einer unterbrochenen Linie ausgebildet sind, die einen Sitz (S) definiert, der in der Lage ist, die Basis (114) aufzunehmen und sie mit einer oszillierenden Bewegung immer in Kopplung, die in einer Richtung (S1) wirkt und in der entgegengesetzten Richtung (S2) nicht wirkt, zu bewegen, wobei bei der oszillierenden Betätigungsbewegung das gabelförmige Ende (F) drei Greif- und Kontaktpunkte (PP1, PP2 und PP3) mit der Basis (114) aufweist, wobei die beiden Punkte (PP1) und (PP2) in Übereinstimmung mit dem freien Ende der Gabel (F) einander gegenüberliegen und auf zwei spiegelbildlich gegenüberliegende Seiten der Basis (114) einwirken, während der dritte Punkt (PP3) zwischen den beiden Punkten (PP1) und (PP2) liegt und auf eine Seite einwirkt, die zwischen den beiden spiegelbildlich gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Basis (114) liegt.
     
    2. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der dritte Punkt (PP3) sich in einer dazwischen liegenden (zentralen) Position zwischen den beiden Punkten (PP1) und (PP2) befindet und auf eine Seite einwirkt, die sich in einer dazwischen liegenden (zentralen) Position zwischen den beiden spiegelbildlich gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Basis (114) befindet.
     
    3. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Basis (114) acht Seiten aufweist, die ein regelmäßiges Achteck bilden.
     
    4. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Basis (114) zehn Seiten aufweist, die ein regelmäßiges Zehneck bilden.
     
    5. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Basis (114) zwölf Seiten aufweist, die ein regelmäßiges Zwölfeck bilden.
     
    6. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Betätigungsseiten (L) des gabelförmigen Endes (F) des Schlüssels (117) sechs an der Zahl sind.
     
    7. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Betätigungsseiten (L) des gabelförmigen Endes (F) des Schlüssels (117) sieben an der Zahl sind.
     
    8. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Betätigungsseiten (L) des gabelförmigen Endes (F) des Schlüssels (117) acht an der Zahl sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Combinaison clé-pied destinée au nivellement de meubles (M) comprenant une clé (117) avec un manche allongé (118) et avec une extrémité en forme de fourchette (F) et un pied (112 ; 113) constitué d'une colonne (tube) (115) couplée à une base (114), afin que ledit pied (112 ; 113) possède une hauteur variable et réglable, caractérisée en ce que ladite base est polygonale et (114) définit un polygone régulier avec un nombre pair de côtés et supérieur ou égal à huit, et en ce que l'extrémité en forme de fourchette (F) de la clé (117) comporte une pluralité de côtés d'actionnement adjacents (L), droits et/ou courbes, qui se développent le long d'une ligne brisée qui définit un siège (S) apte à recevoir ladite base (114) et à la manÅ“uvrer avec un mouvement oscillant constamment en accouplement, actionnant dans un sens (S1) et n'actionnant pas dans le sens opposé (S2), dans ledit mouvement oscillant d'actionnement, ladite extrémité en forme de fourchette (F) comporte trois points de préhension et de contact (PP1, PP2 et PP3) avec la base (114), les deux points (PP1) et (PP2) sont opposés, en correspondance avec l'extrémité libre de la fourchette (F), et agissent sur deux côtés opposés de manière spéculaire de la base (114), alors que le troisième point (PP3) est entre lesdits deux points (PP1) et (PP2) et agit sur un côté qui est entre lesdits deux côtés opposés de manière spéculaire de la base (114).
     
    2. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit troisième point (PP3) est dans une position intermédiaire (centrale) entre lesdits deux points (PP1) et (PP2) et agit sur un côté qui est dans une position intermédiaire (centrale) entre lesdits deux côtés opposés de manière spéculaire de la base (114).
     
    3. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ladite base (114) comporte huit côtés qui définissent un octogone régulier.
     
    4. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ladite base (114) comporte dix côtés qui définissent un décagone régulier.
     
    5. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ladite base (114) comporte douze côtés qui définissent un dodécagone régulier.
     
    6. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que lesdits côtés d'actionnement (L) de l'extrémité en forme de fourchette (F) de la clé (117) sont au nombre de six.
     
    7. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que lesdits côtés d'actionnement (L) de l'extrémité en forme de fourchette (F) de la clé (117) sont au nombre de sept.
     
    8. Combinaison selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que lesdits côtés d'actionnement (L) de l'extrémité en forme de fourchette (F) de la clé (117) sont au nombre de huit.
     




    Drawing















































    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description